Fendlera rupicola aka Cliff Fendlerbush

Fendlera rupicola is a shrub in the hydrangea family, Hydrangeaceae. Its native range runs from southeastern Nevada to south-central Texas and northern Mexico. Kew places it within a temperate climate range. The RHS lists the species as not native to Britain or Ireland. Virginia Tech describes a narrow, columnar shrub reaching 9 feet [2.7 metres]. This gives its reported height, rather than a confirmed garden size. The supplied sources do not give a mature spread.

The bark ranges from red to gray-brown and sheds in coarse strips. Slender twigs range from light brown to reddish brown. They have grooves and raised scars where leaves once grew. The buds stay hidden. Leaves grow in opposite pairs along the stems. Each leaf is simple, rather than split into separate leaflets. The blades are lance-shaped, with smooth edges that roll under. They reach about 1½ inches [0.038 metres] long. Their thick texture and rolled edges are key features. The upper surface is gray-green, with a light coat of hairs. White, fuzzy hairs cover the underside. The veins appear as lines along the blade. Plants may shed their leaves or retain some foliage.

Flowers open from late spring into early summer. They grow at twig tips, either singly or in small groups. Each bloom measures about 1½ inches [0.038 metres] across. Four petals form each white or pink-tinged flower. Each petal narrows to a slender point at its base. Eight yellow stamens sit within the bloom. The flowers have some scent. Virginia Tech describes the blooms as showy, giving the shrub a clear seasonal feature. Dry fruit follows in the form of a four-parted capsule. Each capsule measures about half an inch [0.013 metres] long. The capsules persist on the plant.

The evidence gives more detail on appearance than on garden care. It does not state light, soil, watering needs, or hardiness zones. Nor does it give a growth rate or cultivation guidance. No supplied source identifies pests, diseases, or weed risks for this species. The evidence also gives no edible uses or toxicity assessment. Those gaps do not establish either safety or danger.